Summer Recap - Finding Good Fortune Right Here at Sephardic Adventure Camp

Community leaders helping to set up for the first ever Great Boureka Bake Off at Sephardic Adventure Camp

The theme for summer 2022 at Sephardic Adventure Camp (SAC) was “de tu patada veremos hayre,” meaning “through your step, you will find fortune.” Now, coming up with a meaningful theme is one thing, but getting campers to connect to a theme is another. In fact, a camp theme is only as good as the camp program is. Well, lucky for SAC, we have Al and Zack. Through the amazing program this summer led by our Head of Education, Al Benoliel (A Brotherhood Central Council Member and Editor at El Ermanado), and our Program Director,  Zack Ben-Ezra (a Brotherhood Central Council member), our campers got a chance experience first-hand how Sephardic Jews transitioned from the old world of the Ottoman Empire into the modern Sephardic communities in North America and Israel. This was done by taking the campers on a magical journey, retracing the footsteps of their ancestors via music, cuisine, games, stories, and lots of fun activities. We’d like to share some highlights from this journey with you.

Sephardic Music Day

This new program walked us through the rich tradition of Sephardic music and the influences of the outside world on the Jews of the land. The renowned Sarah Aroeste (a Sephardic Brotherhood member) taught us all about the wonders of Ladino music, and Professor Bryan Kirchen was back at SAC to lead special Ladino classes with campers.

Sephardic Baking Program

In keeping with our Sephardic heritage, campers had the opportunity to bake Sephardic delicacies, such as biscochos and borekas. Joy Maimon with a full support team ran this very exciting (and delicious) program.

Pike’s Place Market

This activity enabled campers to experience hands-on what makes Seattle such a special place. Campers got a glimpse of the various aspects of the city with a focus on the symbiotic relationship between the city and the Sephardic community who call it home.

Immigrasion (Immigration) 

As part of our focus this year on Sephardim building their lives in America, we had the most amazing Immigrasion experience. Campers re-lived part of what the immigration process looked like back in the days. They worked together as a team, solved problems, arrived at Ellis Island and used knowledge gained at camp (like Ladino) in this Sephardic adventure!

Israel Day

The campsite (and campers) changed colors to blue and white. The music switched to Israeli songs and Shuli’s humus, falafel and shawarma were probably the best Israeli food served ever. Campers went through stations to experience Sephardic Israeli life, with a new great addition of a real Taboon Pitot Workshop led by our Camp Director Rabbi Kenny Pollack.

Coca en la Boca (A unique SAC tradition)

Picture a group of campers heading out of their bunks at 7:30 in the morning, even before tefillah! They are still crusty-eyed from slumber, some still in their pajamas. Yet they are drawn to the Dining Hall on their own accord. Yes! That’s right, of their own free will! No one is requiring them to wake up that early and head out. Once there, they are treated to a hot cup of cocoa. They gather around, boys and girls, anxiously awaiting to hear what Sephardic Master, Hazzan Aryeh Greenberg, (respectfully known at SAC as “Haham”), has in store. It could be a mind puzzle (similar to 20 questions, but not exactly), a Ladino “refranes” (sayings) session, a quiz, or maybe even a Djoha story. Djoha can take the form of a crafty trickster or a dunce, and sometimes the campers are tasked to listen and figure out which Djoha is present in the story. 

The kids are intensely engaged (notably so, considering the morning hour). They are quick to raise their hand if they know the answer, like rapid fire! To make things even more interesting, winners are treated to small prizes, including matchbox cars and other fun trinkets. This tradition is a SAC original and we are so lucky to have the creativity and wit of Haham Greenberg to run this program. He has been part of our SAC Staff team for over 20 years and he is a true gem in our crown - one of a kind! Si kiere el Dio, we hope to continue this SAC tradition of inspiring inquisitive minds and sharing our Sephardic lore for years to come!

This year’s program was nothing less than remarkable! Thanks to all the staff that contributed to its success, and especially to the campers, who were excited, engaged, and eager to relive the journey of the Sephardic Jews – following their footsteps, feeling fortunate, and enjoying a meaningful summer.